As much as one might love a good muffin now and then, no one loves sporting a “muffin-top!” You know, the dreaded “spillage” over the top of one’s waistband? With today’s low-slung jeans and tight-knit fabrics, this can be a very real problem for women of all shapes and sizes. But I’m here to share a couple tips—some quick and not-so-quick suggestions—on how to camouflage and fix that unsightly situation!
First, check your posture! Are you standing up tall? Shoulders back? Belly-button to your spine? If not, then stop what you’re doing and realign yourself! It might sound crazy, but it’s true! The way you carry yourself, can instantly change how you see yourself, and how others see you as well. What’s more, while you’re pulling that belly-button in, think about holding it there for 10-15 seconds at a time. Repeat this action several times in a row, and you’ve just completed a mini-ab-workout, without all the sweat!
Next, check your wardrobe. Are you wearing clothes that fit too tight, or cling too much around your waistband? If you answered yes, don’t beat yourself up. Some of the blame belongs to today’s designers who have been pinching our middles way too hard lately! But there is hope! Look for styles that flow freely past your belt loops. Choose breezy blouses that don’t cinch your waist, but instead gather just below it. Try a new fashion or two, like the pairing of longer tops with leggings or stretch pants. When you do, check yourself out in the mirror, and see which styles you like the best. These are just a few quick and easy solutions.
Now let’s look at a solution that takes a bit more time and commitment—whittling that middle away! If you have spent years doing sit-up after sit-up, don’t worry. I’m not going to suggest you do tons more. While sit-ups will definitely help this problem area, they’re not your only option. There are many other moves available that can be just as effective. For example, stand up tall, with a slight bend in your knees. Hold your hips straight ahead, while you twist side to side. Tighten with each turn, making your moves slow and deliberate. Do several sets, anywhere, anytime! At home, at work, or at play.
Now think about lifting your knees to your chest. First your right, then your left. Scrunch your tummy muscles with every lift, and you’ll feel your core begin to strengthen and tighten. Lift your arms and pull them down with each knee lift, and you’ll add that much more resistance to this routine!
Finally, grab a couple hand weights (or even that jug of milk off the breakfast counter), and stand up straight again. With the weights by your side, slowly bend and lower to your right and then return to straight spine. Repeat, 10-12 times on the right side before you switch and lower to the left. Contract your side muscles as you move. Before long, you’ll have whittled your middle away and kissed your muffin top goodbye!
Lets MINCE!
